US Official Visits Philippines, Singapore to Advance Pax Silica Tech Initiative
US Undersecretary of State Jacob Helberg visited the Philippines and Singapore from May 17-21, 2026, to strengthen technology and economic security ties under the Pax Silica initiative. In the Philippines, he discussed a 4,000-acre industrial hub in New Clark City for semiconductor and AI supply chains, attracting over 20 firms. A dispute emerged over governance, with Philippine officials rejecting US jurisdiction. In Singapore, Helberg convened a US-ASEAN AI Ministerial Roundtable to explore collaborations.
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US and Philippines Near Deal on Economic Security Zone Amid Governance Dispute
The United States expects to soon finalize a long-term framework with the Philippines for an Economic Security Zone on Luzon Island under the Pax Silica initiative, according to US Undersecretary of State Jacob Helberg. The 1,620-hectare zone in New Clark City aims to secure technology supply chains for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. However, a dispute emerged after Philippine officials rejected a US proposal to place the zone under US jurisdiction with diplomatic immunity. Joshua Bingcang of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority confirmed the zone will be governed by Philippine law, not US common law. Helberg visited the site with representatives from over a dozen US companies, including Foxconn and Joby Aviation, signaling strong corporate interest. The Philippines joined the technology supply chain alliance in April as the 13th member.
The DiplomatOver 20 Firms Eye Investment in Luzon Economic Corridor's AI Hub
At least 20 companies, including more than a dozen US firms, have expressed interest in investing in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) in the Philippines. This interest centers on the first AI-native industrial acceleration hub under Pax Silica, a US Department of State flagship program focused on artificial intelligence and supply chain security. US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg announced this during a visit to New Clark City on May 18, 2026, where he inspected the proposed 4,000-acre site. The initiative aims to leverage the Philippines' critical mineral reserves, such as nickel and copper, for allied manufacturing. Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo noted that five US and five Middle Eastern firms are specifically planning investments. The project operates under Philippine laws, including the Investors’ Lease Act, ensuring no special legal treatment for US entities. Officials described the visit as the first step in negotiating long-term land arrangements and prioritizing specific industries for the hub, marking a significant expansion of US-Philippines economic cooperation in technology and supply chain resilience.
sunstarUS Strengthens Tech Ties with Philippines and Singapore via Pax Silica Initiative
US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg is undertaking a visit to the Philippines and Singapore from May 17 to 21, 2026, to bolster economic and technological cooperation in Southeast Asia. The trip aims to advance the Pax Silica initiative, which seeks to establish a secure and resilient technology ecosystem. In the Philippines, Helberg will focus on implementing programs following the recent Pax Silica Declaration, with specific discussions centered on the proposed 4,000-acre Luzon Economic Security Zone. This zone is designed as a pioneering industrial hub to enhance the production of critical supply chain inputs and support the Luzon Economic Corridor. Subsequently, in Singapore, Helberg will convene the US-ASEAN AI Ministerial Roundtable, bringing together government officials and private sector leaders. These discussions will address the expanding role of artificial intelligence in the region and explore collaborative opportunities through mechanisms like the US AI Exports Program. The visit underscores the United States' strategic commitment to deepening technological partnerships and securing supply chains within the ASEAN region.
sunstarUS Official Visits Philippines to Strengthen Tech and Economic Security Ties
United States Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg is visiting the Philippines and Singapore from May 17 to 21, 2026, to enhance cooperation on technology and economic security. The trip aims to advance the Pax Silica Declaration, a US-led initiative focused on securing semiconductor and artificial intelligence supply chains. In the Philippines, Helberg will discuss the establishment of a 4,000-acre industrial hub within the Luzon Economic Corridor, designed to accelerate allied manufacturing and investment. This site serves as a key component of the broader Economic Security Zone strategy. Following his stay in Manila, Helberg will travel to Singapore to convene a US-ASEAN Ministerial Roundtable. There, he will engage with ASEAN member-states and private sector leaders to explore collaborations through the US AI Exports Program. The visit underscores the strategic effort by the US and its Southeast Asian partners to build a resilient, innovation-driven technology ecosystem amid evolving global dynamics, focusing on supply chain stability and emerging tech development.
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